Moving from Lincoln, NE to Sioux Falls, SD
The 211 mi from Lincoln to Sioux Falls translate to about 4h 8m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
211 mi Β· 4h 8m by car Β· NE β IA β SD
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, I 29, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Sioux Falls and Lincoln is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Sioux Falls is 1.0% above Lincoln ($329,723 vs $291,062 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 28.3" |
Climate cools by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 52.3Β°F β 46.6Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.39 |
Income steps up 1.0%: $69,991 in Lincoln vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sioux Falls MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,940 | $40,110 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 16,710 | $67,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,250 | $37,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,420 | $29,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,080 | $39,450 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and South Dakota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Dakota's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 211 mi and the route typically takes 4h 8m via US 77 and I 29. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 6.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 13.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 211 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 1.0% lower than Lincoln (90.631 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Sioux Falls, SD.